High School in Japan
Spend a year or a semester discovering Japan from the perspective of a typical teenager
Starting date: August 2027
Year program
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With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, Japan is the perfect place to discover a new culture. By joining a high school and living with a host family, you'll immerse yourself in Japanese life.
It's the perfect opportunity to learn the language and customs, and experience an exciting adventure in the heart of "the land of the rising sun."
Admission requirements
Summer departures: Participants must be between 15 and 17.11 years old on the day of departure.
Winter departures: Participants must be between 15 and 17.4 years old on the day of departure.
The AFS program
Go on a trip for a year, a semester, or a trimester and attend a high school in your host community. You'll live with a family selected by AFS for a memorable immersion experience.
AFS offers training, orientation, and activities before, during, and after your stay. You'll meet young people from all over the world!
The school system
The Japanese school year runs from April to March, with summer and Christmas breaks. Classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., over five or six days, often including Saturday mornings. Students who cannot drive travel to school by bike, bus, or train, and participate in the daily cleaning process called "o shoji."
AFS students take Japanese language classes and a tailored curriculum (English, sports, art, etc.). A uniform is often mandatory. For leisure activities, they can practice sports (kendo, judo, baseball, etc.) or join cultural clubs such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, or marching bands.
What’s included in your experience
Learning paths that evolve with the world
AFS helps people of all ages and backgrounds develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to connect with diverse people, succeed in a global environment, and contribute to a positive impact on the world.
